Blog Archive

It is always a good day for me when Michigan wins and Ohio State loses. Today was just such a day. Michigan came back in the second half against Illinois with a dominating running attack to win 30-19. It is amazing to see Michigan pull out victories with freshmen at QB and RB. Frosh QB Chad Henne struggled today throwing two picks (one in the end zone) but Michael Hart picked up the slack running for 234 yards on 40 carries. What a horse! This kid was playing in high school last year. The Wolverines have a multi-talented offense but the turnovers worry me and I know they worry Coach Carr. They lost the Notre Dame game because of turnovers and they can ill afford to be loose with the ball when they play Purdue next week. Star WR Braylon Edwards was not much of a factor (although he did have a sweet TD called back on a penalty) but because he is a threat deep that opens up more running room. If teams want to try and shut Edwards down they will have to deal with Hart and receivers like Avant and Breston. If Henne can cut down on the mistakes this team can go far. The defense has been making big plays when they need to lately and the offense can score points. If there is a weakness it continues to be special teams.

Ohio State came into the season with similar issues with sophomore Justin Zwick taking over at QB and having lost 14 players to the NFL. They have not found the same success, however, as they have lost three in a row after getting smacked by Iowa today. The Buckeyes barely escaped the shut-out, not reaching the endzone until less than three minutes remained in the game. The offense is anemic and the defense isn’t as strong as it has been in the past. Tressle used to be able to play conservative offensively and lean on his tough defense. This year his defense isn’t that tough and his offense is pathetic. The O-line is weak and they have no real big play threat. The Ohio State mystique of the last few years is definitely gone. Tressle’s honeymoon is over. Look for some loud complaints in Buckeye land this week.

The game with the most on the line pitted #12 Wisconsin versus #5 Purdue. Purdue and Kyle Orton were the Big Ten team with the most buzz, but Wisconsin was coming off a strong win over the Buckeyes. In a close fought game the Badgers pulled of the 20-17 win to remain undefeated and in the drivers seat for the Big Ten title. DB Scott Starks – who also had an interception – returned an Orton fumble forty yards for the winning score. Purdue missed a field goal for the tie with 24 seconds left. The Badgers face Northwestern and Minnesota at home (two games they should be heavy favorites to win) but they face Michigan State and Iowa on the road. They don’t play Michigan this year. Purdue’s road doesn’t get any easier as they play Michigan next week at home before going to Northwestern and Iowa. They finish out with Ohio State and Indiana at home.

One of the most surprising scores of the day, however, had to be Michigan State taking Minnesota to the woodshed 51-17. After a heartbreak loss to Michigan for the second year in a row, Minnesota seemed to lose heart quickly in this one. The Sprtans jumped out to a 31-10 halftime lead and never looked back. No matter how good the Gophers seem to be they find a way to disappoint. Sure they have some talented running backs but apparently nothing else. Until they find a defense up there they will continue to lose big games.

Every game in the Big Ten is a challenge but there are two big ones left (outside of the Michigan versus Ohio State which is always big not matter what the records): Michigan at Purdue next week and Wisconsin at Iowa on November 20. If both the Wolverines and the Badgers win out we could have co-champs as they don’t face each other. I am biased of course, but I would say that Michigan is the better team by a hair even though Wisconsin are undefeated. I just think Michigan has more offensive weapons. But we will know a lot more after next week. If Chad Henne can cut out the mistakes and play a great game against Purdue on the road then I will know this team is for real. Iowa should give the Badgers all they can handle. Hawkeye QB Drew Tate has a lot of talent and a lot of heart and playing in Kinnick stadium is never easy.

Should be a great finish to the Big Ten season. I will be watching every minute of it.